Video: A sneak peek at Placido Domingo and L.A. Opera's 'Carmen'

Plácido Domingo, the conductor -- as opposed to Plácido Domingo, the world-renowned tenor -- will appear Saturday evening for Los Angeles Opera's season-opening production of Bizet's "Carmen" at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion.

For the city's arts patrons in attendance on Saturday, one can also assume that Plácido Domingo, the world-class fundraiser, also will be present for the exclusive after-party, where he will likely be working hard to drum up support for the company, for which he serves as general director.

In an interview earlier this week in his dressing room at the Chandler, the 72-year-old maestro spoke about conducting versus singing.

Watch the video above for the interview with Domingo and scenes from a "Carmen" rehearsal.

At the same time, he also told Culture Monster about his recent health scare -- he suffered a pulmonary embolism in July -- as well as his vision for expanding the company as it continues to secure its financial footing after a precarious few years during the global financial crisis.

Domingo also spoke about how he hopes to make opera more accessible to the city's Latino population.

"Carmen" will be performed seven times. After Saturday's opening night, Domingo will conduct Sept. 29 and Oct. 1 and 6; Grant Gershon will conduct Sept. 26 and 28 and Oct. 4.